The main purpose of your adrenals is to enable your body to deal with physical and emotional stress. Stress, chronic B vitamin deficiencies, and lack of sleep cause the adrenal system to become worn out. Adrenal Fatigue is especially common in people with autoimmune diseases like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Chronic illness, infections, “silver” amalgam fillings, and steroid use is also risk factors for Adrenal Fatigue.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include being tired for no apparent reason, morning fatigue, feeling overwhelmed, cravings for salts, sweets or caffeine, and feeling best in the evenings. Adrenal Fatigue also results in low levels of the hormone DHEA.

DHEA is the most prevalent hormone secreted from the adrenal glands. DHEA levels in children are very low. Increased DHEA production is thought to be the reason children “outgrow” allergies and asthma. The decline in DHEA levels leads to a decline in immune function. DHEA levels are at their highest around age 25, then begin to drop. Later in life, DHEA levels drop enough that we are more susceptible to allergies and asthma. Low DHEA levels can cause cold hands, brittle hair, and dry skin. In those with Multiple Sclerosis, a lack of DHEA will cause “heat intolerance”.

If you have adrenal fatigue or are at risk for developing it, you should go to bed as early as possible and not change your bedtime. Before the widespread use of electricity, people would go to bed shortly after sundown and were healthier for it. Our adrenal glands do most of their recharging between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM. In addition, our bodies dump toxins during this same period. If you are awake, your adrenals can’t recharge and toxins back up into the liver.

Licorice and Stinging Nettle are two herbs that can help support the adrenals. Licorice Root Extract is a commonly used Chinese herb. Licorice contains a substance similar to adrenal hormone. A 1996 study by Japanese researchers demonstrated licorice root relieves inflammation. Take caution because Licorice root used regularly in large doses can cause high blood pressure, swelling, potassium imbalance, and breast enlargement in men.

Stinging Nettle was used by Native Americans to treat aches and pains. It has also been traditionally used to treat gout, arthritis, and asthma. This herb is helpful for allergies because it contains natural antihistamines.

A chronic illness, which can eventually cause adrenal fatigue or adrenal failure, is chronic candida or candidiasis. The fungus candida yeast is a normal resident of the gut. The same yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections, athlete’s foot, and jock itch causes candida. Candida becomes a problem when it becomes overgrown. In this case, supporting the adrenal glands may mean eliminating candida by avoiding the foods that feed this fungus such as sugars and all refined foods. It may also mean adding anti-fungal supplements to your routine, like citrus seed extract or oil of oregano. Additionally, you will need to supplement beneficial bacteria and digestive enzymes. Using sea salt instead of table salt will also help support the adrenals.